Picturesque view of Muskegon River, off M-82 in Newaygo with stairs to the river. A great stop in any season.

The Huron-Manistee National Forests, the only national forest in lower Michigan, comprise almost a million acres of public lands extending across the northern lower peninsula of Michigan.  The Huron-Manistee National Forests provide recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat for fish and wildlife, and resources for local industry.

The forests of northern Michigan are rich in history.  In the late 1800s logging was at its peak and these forests were quickly cut and cleared.  In 1909, the Huron National Forest was established and the Manistee National Forest was formed in 1938. In 1945, these two National Forests were administratively combined.  Working hand in hand with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other partners, the Forest Service has changed the “lands that nobody wanted” to healthy forests again.  We’ve made great progress in recovering these lands but a great deal of work remains, much of which is being done through partnerships.

Visitors have the chance to explore ponds and wetlands, hike through white pine and white oak forest, search for butterflies and wildflowers on prairie and barrens remnants, and listen to the bubbling waters of Bigelow and Coolbough Creeks.

The diversity of habitats is one of the features of the Coolbough Natural Areas that makes any visit an exciting trip. Visitors have the chance to explore ponds and wetlands, hike through white pine and white oak forest, search for butterflies and wildflowers on prairie and barrens renmants, and listen to the bubbling waters of Bigelow and Coolbough Creeks.

For more information on Coolbough Creeks go to their website: http://www.brookstownship.org/cool.html

Walk along the riverside boardwalk by the dam, take a swim in the Millpond, or enjoy a quiet walk out to the Gazebo on the island. The more adventurous can take a canoe or kayak trip down the White River, fish along the riverbanks, put in your own boat or hire a river guide.

The Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary found its beginnings in 1938 when the US Forestry Service invited the Federated Garden Club of Michigan to participate in creating a sanctuary for native Michigan plants.

The area consists of a small lake, a marsh and wooded area. There are over 150 different species of plants, wildflowers, trees and vegitation marked with posts that correspond to the trail guide available.

The trail is about 1.5 miles long. A picnic area with grills and an outhouse is available for use by the trailhead. The sanctuary is located about 7 miles north of White Cloud. Head north out of White Cloud on M-37 and turn west at 5 Mile Road, then turn north onto Felch Ave and drive til you see the sign below. The entrance is right in front of the sign.

Trail Distance: 13 miles long.
Location: The Hungerford Lake Recreation Area is located in Newaygo County, Michigan. The nearest community is Big Rapids, about 7 miles east.
Trail Description: Hungerford Lake Recreation Area is a multiple-use area. In spring, summer, and fall, you may enjoy hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, and mountain biking. During the winter months, the trail is a popular cross-country ski trail.
Facilities:

Light blue, diamond shaped confidence markers on trailside trees and posts designate the trail system.
Level of difficulty signs are posted at trailhead and along the trail systems: (Beginner to Advanced).
A “You are here” map and benches are located at the trail intersections.

To avoid resource damage, camping is allowed at numbered sites only. Camping at these sites is limited to 14 consecutive days.

The Hardy Dam Rustic Nature trail is a cooperative project of the Boy Scouts of America and Consumers Energy Employees.
The trail is a three mile round trip, along the Muskegon River.The trail is unpaved and and winds over various types of terrain.
Be sure to bring a good pair of tightly tied hiking boots as the trail in some places winds along the sides of some very steep hills.
Also 26 species of trees are indentified along the trail, identified with posts so be sure to pick up your trail guide by the trailhead.

Parking is available right by the Hardy Dam at its northwest end.

The North Country Trail connects America’s red plaid nation, wandering 4600 miles through America’s rugged northern heartlands. Stretching across seven states, this longest National Scenic Trail is brought to local communities through the dedication and hard work of volunteers.

Some quick facts about the North Country Trail:

•  Longest National Scenic Trail in the United States (4600 miles when complete)
•  Administered by the National Park Service
•  Passes through 12 National Forests
•  Created by Congress in 1980; already has more trail completed than the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is long.
•  In 2010, volunteers contributed almost 70,000 hours toward building and maintaining the Trail and telling its story, a 14% increase over 2009, valued at $1.5million dollars!

To learn more about the North Country Trail, go to their website at www.northcountrytrail.org
To get a map of the North Country Trail, go to northcountrytrail.org/docs/maps/NCT-MI-MNFNewaygoCoKiosk.pdf